New Research Published in The Journal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery Shows that Hyperosmotic Ointment May Reduce LASIK Complications

The LASIK surgeon at Washington DC-based TLC Laser Eye Centers, Dr. Andrew E. Holzman, takes special precautions to prevent LASIK complications.

Washington DC (PRWEB) August 19, 2015

Dr. Andrew E. Holzman and his team of eye care specialists make patient wellness and satisfaction a top priority. Thanks to recent research carried out at the practice, Dr. Holzman/TLC Laser Eye Centers has found that the use of hyperosmotic ointment can reduce the risk of epithelial disruptions after LASIK surgery. With these findings, surgeons throughout the country can improve their approach to pre-operative care. The findings of this research were published in a recent issue of The Journal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery.

Ultimately, the research and innovations implemented by Dr. Andrew Holzman means that patients are less likely to experience serious side effects and complications after they have undergone LASIK surgery.

Taking Epithelial Disruption and Other Complications Seriously

Epithelial disruptions, or flap complications, can occur after LASIK surgery. During the LASIK procedure, a flap is created on the topmost layer of the cornea (the epithelium). This flap might heal improperly, resulting in discomfort and poor vision. Examples of these flap complications include epithelial ingrowth, diffuse lamellar keratitis (DLK), and flap melt. Generally, research showed that patients older than 34 were 4.4 times more likely to experience epithelial disruptions.

Epithelial disruptions became less of a worry with the development of bladeless, all-laser LASIK techniques. Yet Dr. Holzman and his colleagues felt there was more that could be done to further reduce the potential of a flap complications following LASIK surgery.

Careful Pre-screenings and Consultations

The consultation process is a crucial first step in avoiding any LASIK complications. The patient's eyes should be thoroughly examined, and multiple tests should be performed to determine if the patient is a suitable candidate for LASIK. The surgeon should also carefully evaluate the patient's medical history.

Approximately 80 percent of patients are ideal candidates for LASIK surgery, and rigorous pre-screenings will help the surgeon identify any potential for serious complications. For the 20 percent of patients who are poor candidates for LASIK, the team at Dr. Holzman/TLC Laser Vision Centers can discuss alternatives, including both surgical and non-surgical treatment options.

Pre-operative Hyperosmotic Therapy

One of the key innovations in Dr. Holzman's approach to pre-operative care is the use of a special hyperosmotic ointment. Patients use this hyperosmotic ointment in the week leading up to their LASIK procedure. When placed at night and used as instructed, the hyperosmotic ointment helps prevent a number of LASIK complications, epithelial disruption among them.

Dr. Holzman's research involved 248 patients who agreed to assist in the study. The patients were instructed to use the hyperosmotic ointment on just one eye in the week leading into surgery. Based on the findings of this test group, Dr. Holzman concluded that the use of hyperosmotic ointment a week prior to LASIK reduced the chances of epithelial disruption by 40 percent.

Attentive Post-op Aftercare and Instructions

In addition to providing excellent pre-op consultations and care, Dr. Holzman and TLC Laser Eye Centers also provides post-op care for LASIK patients. This includes comprehensive instructions for the at-home recovery process and regular follow-up visits to monitor healing and discuss any concerns that LASIK patients may have.

This focus on pre-op care, state-of-the-art surgical techniques, and post-op care can help ensure the safest LASIK surgery possible. Dr. Holzman and his team will continue to innovate and research ways to improve the results of refractive surgery.

Contact Dr. Holzman and TLC Laser Eye Centers

For more information on laser eye surgery options and how advanced technology and techniques make LASIK even safer and more effective than ever before, contact the team at Dr. Holzman/TLC Laser Eye Centers today. Dr. Holzman and the eye care specialists of TLC Laser Eye Centers can also be reached directly at the individual offices by using the contact information provided below.

Washington DC Office
1801 K Street NW
Suite 500L
Washington DC 20006
Phone: (202) 785-2435

Rockville, MD Office
11200 Rockville Pike
Suite 150
Rockville, Maryland 20852
Phone: (301) 881-2021

McLean, VA Office
7930 Jones Branch Drive
Suite 250
McLean, Virginia 22102
Phone: (703) 556-9155

Charlottesville, VA Office
630 Peter Jefferson Parkway
Suite 180
Charlottesville, Virginia 22911
Phone: (434) 817-5275

Gainesville, VA Office
7538 Limestone Drive
Gainesville, Virginia 20155
Phone: (703) 753-7224

Originally posted by Andrew Holzman

For the original version on PRWeb visit: http://www.prweb.com/releases/2015/08/prweb12908787.htm